On December 25, 2024, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Beijing.

Wang Yi said that last month, President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Lima, during which the two sides agreed to comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit between China and Japan in accordance with the principles and directions stipulated in the four political documents between China and Japan, and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era, setting the direction for both sides' future efforts. China and Japan are close neighbors, and the significance of the relationship between the two countries goes beyond the bilateral scope. A stable China-Japan relationship contributes to greater stability in Asia, and a stable Asia, in turn, enables the region to play a more important role in the world. Wang Yi expressed the hope that Japan will work with China to draw lessons from history, remain true to the original aspiration, steer clear of disruptions, build consensus, keep the correct positioning of the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, uphold the important common understandings that the two countries should be cooperative partners rather than threats to each other and jointly push forward the sound and steady development of China-Japan relations.

Wang Yi put forward six proposals on advancing China-Japan relations in the next step. First, calibrate the strategic perception. Wang Yi expressed the hope that Japan will follow the trend of the times, view China's development objectively and with goodwill, and pursue a positive policy toward China. Second, maintain mutual trust between both sides. The two sides must abide by the four political documents between China and Japan to ensure that the foundation of China-Japan relationship remains solid and unwavering. Japan should honor its promises on historical, Taiwan-related and other major sensitive issues. Third, enhance communication and dialogue. The two sides should continue to carry out exchanges at all levels and through all channels, and enhance mutual understanding and trust. Fourth, pursue win-win cooperation. The two sides should tap into the potential of cooperation in emerging fields, jointly keep global industrial and supply chains stable and maintain a fair and open trade and investment environment. Fifth, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and consolidate social and public support for China-Japan friendship. Sixth, properly handle disputes and differences and prevent these differences from defining or undermining the relationship between the two countries.

Takeshi Iwaya said that the meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Lima charted the course for their future efforts. Japan is willing to enhance mutual trust, coordination and cooperation with China, increase the positive agenda in bilateral relations, reduce pending issues, properly control and manage differences, comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit between Japan and China, and build constructive and stable Japan-China relations. Japan abides by the principles of the Japan-China Joint Statement, and respects and understands China's position on the Taiwan question. On historical issues, the Japanese side continues to uphold the position established in the "Murayama Statement", expresses deep introspection and offers a heartfelt apology. Noting that there is huge potential for practical cooperation between Japan and China, Takeshi Iwaya expressed the hope that the two sides will achieve more tangible results and better benefit the two peoples. He thanked China for granting visa-free treatment to Japanese citizens. Japan will further relax its visa policy and facilitate personnel exchanges between the two sides. The improvement of Japan-China relations is a strategic opportunity for the two countries and is of great significance to Asia and the world at large. Japan is willing to join hands and move forward with China to jointly promote regional peace and prosperity.

Regarding the issue of the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, Wang Yi reiterated China's opposition to Japan's ocean discharge and stressed that Japan should fulfill its international obligations and commitments to China, establish a long-term international monitoring mechanism, and allow independent sampling and testing by China.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on international and regional issues of common interest and concern.